By Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Berks/Lehigh)
As we all continue to grapple with the changing world in which we currently find ourselves, government is doing what it can to ease deadlines and other mandates so more people have an opportunity to apply for and take care of certain government requirements.

Election Deadline Changes
As a result of legislation recently passed and signed into law, the Pennsylvania primary election has been postponed until June 2. That means you now have until May 18 to register to vote and until May 26 to sign up to vote by mail-in ballot. Another new law we passed now allows anyone to vote by mail in an election. For more information, go to votespa.com.

Tax Deadline Changes
To help those working to get their taxes completed and filed, the state and federal income tax filing deadlines have both been changed from April 15 to July 15.

Also, the deadline for seniors and people with disabilities to apply for the 2019 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31. My office can help individuals fill out and file these applications. More information can be found on my website under “Resources” and “Property Tax/Rent Rebate.”

Transportation Deadline Changes
PennDOT is helping motorists by further extending the expiration dates for many of its motor vehicle and operator requirements.

• For driver licenses, photo ID cards and learner's permits scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020, through April 30, 2020, the expiration date is now extended through May 31, 2020.
• For vehicle registrations, safety inspections and emissions inspections scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020, through April 30, 2020, the expiration date is now extended through May 31, 2020.
• For persons with disabilities parking placards scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020, through April 30, 2020, the expiration date is now extended through May 31, 2020.

REAL ID Deadline Change
The federal enforcement deadline for REAL ID has been extended by one year by the Trump administration. The new deadline for compliance is Oct. 1, 2021. At that time, everyone will need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to fly domestically, or enter certain federal buildings. More information is available at PennDOT.gov/REALID.

For further information and resources, please check out my website at RepMackenzie.com/coronavirus. There you will find resources for businesses, how to apply for unemployment compensation, health information and much more.Please keep in mind that these deadlines are subject to change, so continue to check my website for the most up-to-date information.

My office, although closed to in-person service, is also still available to help constituents over the phone and online. Just call 610-965-9933 or go to repmackenzie.com/contact.